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A Message from the Maryland People’s Counsel

Welcome to the Official website of the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel. Maryland OPC is an independent State agency. Our mission is to represent the interests of residential consumers of electricity, natural gas, telecommunications and private water services in Maryland.

High Winter Bills and Supplier Variable Rate Contracts

Many households throughout the State have received a double whammy this year--first the extreme cold and snow, and then the high winter bills. OPC and the Public Service Commission have received many calls about the bills--Why are they so high? What can I do about them? We made recommendations to the Commission [9340 OPC COMMENTS]. The PSC has issued an order, we will continue to work with agencies, the utilities and the Commission to assist customers. In the meantime, OPC is here to answer questions about high winter bills and energy supplier marketing and contracts. OPC has found that customers with "variable rate" supplier contracts have received bills with supplier charges 2 to 4 times the utility supply rate (SOS). Please check out OPC's new 2014 SUPPLIER FACT SHEETS and HIGH BILL FACT SHEET and the May 14 BALTIMORE SUN article on high bills--this winter and in general--which highlights the Affordable Energy Plan proposal from OPC and PSC staff.

Smart Meter Opt-out and Fee Options

OPC also has been receiving consumer calls about smart meter, and the opt-out options and fees. See our new GUIDE, which may answer many of your questions.

Exelon Acquisition of PHI (PEPCO and Delmarva Power)

The announcement was made on May 7. The Companies must file applications for approval with the MD PSC, other state commissions, and FERC, the federal regulation. OPC will represent residential consumer intrests. Check back for more information in June.

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